Counter-supporter.



R. J. BULKLBY.

0011mm SUPPORTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR-1. 1912.

Patented July 8, 1913.

nnrrn RALPH J. BULKLEY, OF KINGMAN, ARIZONA.

COUNTER-SUPPORTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 8, 1913.

Application filed March 1, 1912. Serial No. 680,868.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, RALPH J. BULKLIGY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kingman, in the county of Mohave and State of Arizona, have invented new and useful. Improvements in Counter-Supporters, of which the following is a s 'iecification.

It is quite common for certain persons to run down the counter of shoes and when this occurs it is dil'licult to stiffen or stay the same.

The present invention provides a counter stiffener or stay which may be placed in position by the wearer or by any one not skilled in the art of repairing shoes and which device will straighten the counter and support the same and prevent turning of the counter which is a source of discomfort to the person besides giving an untidy appearance to the shoe.

The invention consists of a counter or stay for boots and shoes, said counter being constructed of comparatively thin sti'tl' metal, such as sheet steel, said counter being provided in different standard sizes so as to be purchased by the person and placed within the heel portion of the shoe and secured therein by suitable fastenings driven through the base of the device and into the sole of the shoe.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the shoe counter and stay; and Fig. 2 a cross section on the line of Fig. 1.

The device is constructed of sheet metal which is thin and stiff, such as steel, the blank when cut from the sheet being bent into the form substantially as shown.

The device comprises a base 1, a side wall 2 and a rear wing 3. It is to be understood that the devices are provided in rights and lofts, hence the side wall 2 may be located upon either side of the base 1 according to the particular purpose for which the device is intended whether to prevent the running down of the counter of a shoe either upon the inside or the outside. The base 1 is formed with openings 4t through which suitable fastenings may be passed for securing the device within the heel portion of the shoe. The upper edge of the side wall 2 and rear wing 3 is curved or bent outwardly, as indicated at 5, to insure a close lit against the inner wall of the upper ot the shoe. The rear wing 3 curves to conform to the inner wall of the heel of the shoe. The wing is free so as to adapt itself to the curvature of the heel and also to move slightly and thereby prevent cramping of the foot and to secure, comfort to the wearer. When the device is placed within the heel of a shoe and is secured thereto by passing fastenings through the openings 4 of the base 1 the side wall 2 and the rear wing 3 extend upwardly along the inner side of the upper ot' the shoe and receive the side pressure of the foot, thereby preventing the breaking down of the counter or if the same has been broken down to support it in upright position and thereby maintain the proper shape of the shoe. The devices are provided in various sizes and in rights and lofts so that the proper size may be obtained and easily fitted to the shoe and secured in place therein by the average person.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new, is:

As a new article of manufacture a counter stitl'ener and stay to be placed within theheel portion of a shoe and consisting oi a sheet metal blank embodying a base with its rear edge made rounding, and a wing extending upward from the base and comprising a side portion connected with the base and a rear portion separated from the base and curved to conform to the rear edge thereof and to the inner side of the heel of the shoe.

In testimony whereof I a'liix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

RALPH J. BULKLEY.

W'itnesses:

S. D. STEWART, C. G. KnooK.

Copies of this trade-mark may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

